HOW LAGOS RECEIVES 80,000 BAGS OF DANGOTE FOUNDATION 10KG RICE FOR VULNERABLE
Lagos State Government, in conjunction with the Aliko Dangote Foundation on Tuesday flagged off the National Food Intervention programme aimed at alleviating hunger and promoting food security across Lagos and Nigeria at large.
The programme is meant to distribute 80,000 (10kg) bags of rice to the vulnerable residents of Lagos State, in every local government across the state.
Speaking at the flag-off, held at the Conference Room of the Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat encouraged stakeholders, individuals, and private organisations within the country to key into the Aliko Dangote Foundation food intervention programme and contribute to the development and well-being of Nigerians.
His words, “We can see what the Aliko Dangote Foundation is doing, we encourage others to do it. But the essence is to show that everybody in our country must contribute. We want more people to be doing charity. The more you give, the more you get. So that’s what I will say to our people, whether small, big, you know, it doesn’t matter. Just give, and you will get more.”
The Governor, therefore, appreciates the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the initiative that will be flagged off across the country, adding that the nation needs more private sector, and various foundations to come together to assist the people, particularly the vulnerable.
Speaking further, Sanwo-Olu said that the state government will utilize Council Development Areas (CDA) Chairmen in distributing the food to those in need. This approach leverages the existing network of CDAs and Community Development Committees (CDCs), which serve as vital links between the government and grassroots communities.
He added that by partnering with CDAs and CDCs, the state government can effectively reach and support vulnerable populations, stressing that these community-based organizations have a deep understanding of local needs and are well-positioned to facilitate the distribution of essential resources.
Highlighting some of the initiatives the state government has put in place to cushion the effect of the economy, the Governor cited that the State Government is doing the ‘Farmer’s Subsidy Programme’ which is meant to subsidize farm seedlings, feeds, fisheries, among others for farmers within the state.
In her address, Trustee of Aliko Dangote Foundation/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dangote Group of Companies, Mariya Aliko Dangote stated that the initiative demonstrates the foundation’s ongoing commitment to alleviating hunger and promoting food security across the nation, adding that the foundation will distribute one million 10kg bags of rice throughout the 774 local government areas of Nigeria.
He noted that “This campaign is not only a response to the immediate needs of our communities but also a step towards ensuring sustainable access to essential food supplies. By reaching every local government area, we aim to touch lives in every corner of Nigeria, making a tangible difference in the daily lives of our fellow Nigerians.”
Dangote added that the period of Ramadan and Lent should serve as a reminder to all of the spirit of compassion and generosity, noting that “It is a time of self-reflection, empathy, and charity. As we break our fast with our families and loved ones, let us remember those who struggle to put food on their tables.”
Also, in her address, Managing Director/CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), Zouera Youssoufou said that every year during Ramadan season the foundation does Zakat by distributing one million bags of 10kg of rice to over 774 Local Government Areas across the country.
According to her, “Every year during Ramadan season, we do Zakat. But this year Lent is overlapping with Ramadan. So our effort is even multiple. Our idea this year is to support Nigerians in all 774 LGAs by distributing one million bags of 10kg of rice across the country.”
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